In a grim revelation, the International Labor Organization (ILO) reported on Wednesday that Gaza has witnessed a staggering loss of at least 66 percent of jobs since the outbreak of the Israeli-Hamas conflict in October.

The ILO’s second assessment on the impact of Israeli ground and air strikes paints a dire picture, with a warning that job losses may continue to escalate in the beleaguered enclave.

According to the ILO, the total number of jobs lost in the tiny Palestinian territory now stands at a staggering 192,000. This follows the initial assessment in early November, where the ILO estimated 182,000 job losses, representing over 60% of employment in Gaza.

“Today, hardly anyone in Gaza can earn an income from work,” expressed Peter Rademaker, the ILO’s deputy regional director for the Arab states. He emphasized the severity of the situation and indicated that the trend of job losses is still on the rise.

“It’s obviously still an upward curve,” Rademaker stated, adding a grim note that the situation could potentially worsen.

The job losses are a direct consequence of the Israeli ground and air strikes that were initiated in response to a deadly cross-border incursion by Hamas militants on October 7.

The ongoing conflict has plunged Gaza into an economic crisis, with businesses shuttered, livelihoods destroyed, and families grappling with the harsh realities of unemployment.

The international community has expressed growing concerns over the humanitarian fallout in Gaza, with calls for a cessation of hostilities to address the worsening situation.

The ILO’s latest findings underscore the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a comprehensive resolution to the conflict to prevent further economic devastation in the region.

As the international community grapples with finding a path to peace, the people of Gaza are facing not only the immediate impact of the conflict but also the long-term consequences of a crippled economy.

The ILO’s stark assessment serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the imperative for swift and decisive action to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.

In the absence of a resolution, the people of Gaza are left to endure the devastating consequences of a conflict that shows little sign of abating, with the hope for a better future becoming increasingly elusive in the face of mounting job losses and economic hardship.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members